Residents have expressed their fury at Haringey Council’s apparent contempt for the consultation process after completely changing a design of a skate park planned for Finsbury Park which had been agreed at a consultation meeting earlier this month.

Now Stroud Green councillor, Laura Edge is calling on Haringey Council to explain itself over the changes. She is also seeking an explanation into complaints that the public meeting had no chair, that no introductions were made and that no minutes were taken.

The original plans had been agreed for a bowl style skate facility which would provide older and more experienced skate boarders with something different than what is currently offered at Ally Pally and what is planned for Priory Park which is a ‘street obstacle design’.

However between the public consultation and now, the agreed design has been completely transformed from a bowl into another ‘street obstacle design’.

This is not the first time that residents have expressed anger over the Council’s consultation process. Last year, residents groups around Priory Park along with local councillors expressed deep unhappiness at the Council’s failure to consult with and keep informed all interested parties throughout the consultation process.

Cllr Edge comments:

“The Council’s failure to consult over these alterations is shameful and I am seeking an immediate explanation.

“The original plans offered something different to skaters. Sadly, the Council seem to be more interested in building these facilities as quickly and cheaply as possible rather than providing facilities to suit all ages and abilities.”